For Buyers

 
stil life interior with gray walls and crown molding Pioneer valley
 

This is what to expect from me.

First: we will have a face-to-face consultation either in person or on Zoom. This is how we get to know each other.

During this meeting I will ask about timelines, needs, budget, preferred locations, dreams, taste, hopes and concerns. I mostly listen and ask questions.

I will pull up a couple of properties to show you simply to confirm that I have understood what you are looking for.

After we agree to work together, we will sign a buyer-agent contract, and set up a time bracket for viewings, however many you need. I will work with your schedule. It may take two viewings or it may take twenty or more, but together we will find the right house.

Besides guiding you through the process, I can connect you with:

  • Local reliable, respected lenders

  • Local attorneys experienced in real-estate transactions (In Massachusetts, you must have an attorney to oversee your purchase)

  • Experienced inspectors

  • Licensed and experienced tradespeople, for estimates

As part of our weekly routine, I will:

  • Send you detailed info on properties as soon as they come on the market

  • Schedule appointments for viewings

  • Provide you with data on recent sales to keep you informed on market values

During the offer process

  • I’ll be the trustworthy advocate between you and the seller’s agent.

  • I’ll use my negotiation skills to get you the best deal.

I request that buyers start the pre-approval process right away just in case an excellent house comes on the market and we need to put an offer in quickly. Without a letter of pre-approval or pre-qualification an offer will not be considered.

It also helps at the outset to have a financial institution confirm how much you can borrow and what your monthly payments will be.

In a seller’s market, such as we’ve seen over the past few years, there might be multiple offers on a single house. The more prepared you are, the greater possibility for success. It’s best to  know your limits as well as what you want.

First-Time Home Buyers

I understand the anxiety that comes with buying a house for the first time. You might want to know that my first time buyers of the last 5 years have been extremely happy and relieved that they bought when they did.

The first questions first-time buyers often ask are:

How do we know that it’s a good house?
If we discover it’s not, how do we get out of the deal?

You can rest assured that Western Massachusetts is one of the best areas in the U.S. for protecting consumers.

A buyer should always make an offer contingent on inspection, and that inspection is key.

Assembling a solid team of agent, home inspector, real estate attorney and lender is truly key to any successful purchase.

I suggest you spend time choosing your inspector, somebody very competent, with up-to-date technological tools. It should be someone you can communicate well with and are not intimidated by.

Once the inspection clears, and you decide to proceed with the purchase, a good lawyer should make sure that all the legal documents pertaining to the property are in order.

I will be there every step of the way from inspection to closing to make sure that everything runs smoothly and on time.

 
Blooming cherry blossoms over house Pioneer valley
 

Take First-Time Buyers Class

If you are a first-time buyer it’s a good idea to take a class. Click the link below to see classes offered by the Massachusetts Housing Authority.

Many banks also offer online classes for first-time home owners, too, and by taking it you will often get a rebate or a discount on your mortgage package.